22 November - Madeleine Slade (Mirabehn) birth anniversary

 

Mirabehn, whose birth name was Madeleine Slade, was a British woman who became a follower of Mahatma Gandhi and actively participated in India's struggle for independence. She was born on November 22, 1892, in England, and she passed away on July 20, 1982.

Mirabehn met Mahatma Gandhi in London in 1932 and was deeply influenced by his philosophy of non-violence. She decided to join him in India and dedicated herself to the cause of Indian independence. Mirabehn lived at Gandhi's ashram (a spiritual hermitage or a monastery) in Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, and later at Sevagram near Wardha.

She actively participated in various activities associated with the Indian independence movement, including the Salt March of 1930. Mirabehn played a significant role in promoting Khadi (handspun and handwoven cloth) and other aspects of Gandhian philosophy.

Mirabehn's commitment to the ideals of non-violence and her association with Mahatma Gandhi left a lasting impact on the Indian independence movement. After India gained independence in 1947, she continued to work for social causes and lived in India until her death in 1982.

22 November - Durgadas Rathore death anniversary

 

Born: 13 August 1638, Jodhpur
Died: 22 November 1718, Ujjain

Durgadas Rathore refers to a historical figure named Rana Durgadas Rathore, a noble and military commander from the Indian region of Marwar (now part of the state of Rajasthan). The Rathores were a Rajput clan known for their valor and military prowess.

Rana Durgadas Rathore is particularly renowned for his role in the Battle of Dharmatpur, which took place in 1658. This battle was part of the larger conflict for succession to the Mughal throne following the death of Emperor Shah Jahan. Rana Durgadas Rathore sided with Aurangzeb, one of Shah Jahan's sons, against his brothers in the war of succession.

Durgadas Rathore's military acumen and bravery played a crucial role in Aurangzeb's victory at the Battle of Dharmatpur. As a reward for his loyalty and services, Rana Durgadas Rathore was granted the title of "Durgadas Rathore" and was given control over the strategic region of Gujarat.

The Rathores continued to be prominent figures in the history of Marwar, contributing both to regional politics and the broader historical events of the Indian subcontinent. Rana Durgadas Rathore remains a respected figure in Rajput history for his military exploits and his role in the Mughal succession wars.

22 November - Andre Gide birth anniversary

 

André Gide (1869–1951) was a French author and Nobel Prize-winning novelist known for his innovative and influential literary works. Born on November 22, 1869, in Paris, Gide's early works were heavily influenced by Symbolism, a literary movement that sought to evoke emotions through vivid and often abstract imagery.

Gide's literary career can be divided into distinct phases. In the early part of his career, he wrote works like "The Immoralist" (1902) and "Strait is the Gate" (1909), which explored themes of morality, self-discovery, and the consequences of societal conventions.

In the later years, Gide's writing evolved, and he became associated with the Nouveau Roman ("New Novel") movement. His major works from this period include "The Counterfeiters" (1925), a novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships and morality, employing a fragmented and non-linear narrative.

In 1947, André Gide was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his comprehensive contributions to French literature. He was known not only for his novels but also for his essays, journals, and autobiographical works. Gide's openness about his personal life, exploration of moral dilemmas, and literary experimentation influenced subsequent generations of writers. He passed away on February 19, 1951, in Paris, leaving behind a rich literary legacy.

21 November - Naik Yadunath Singh birth anniversary

 

Naik Yadunath Singh, born on November 21, 1916, in the village of Khajuri in the Shahjahanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, India, displayed extraordinary valor and commitment during his military service. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, Rajput Regiment of the Indian Army.

During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948, Naik Yadunath Singh's unit was stationed in the Tithwal sector of Jammu and Kashmir. On February 6, 1948, his platoon was tasked with defending a vital position against a fierce attack by Pakistani forces. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Singh's leadership and bravery came to the fore.

In the early hours of February 6, the enemy launched a major offensive, attacking the post with overwhelming force. Singh's section faced intense machine-gun and mortar fire. Amid the chaos, Singh took control of a Bren gun and returned fire with precision, inflicting significant casualties on the enemy. His fearless actions inspired his men to hold their ground despite the relentless assault.

During the battle, Naik Yadunath Singh sustained multiple wounds but refused to be evacuated. He continued to fight, rallying his comrades and leading a counter-charge against the enemy forces. His daring and selfless actions were instrumental in repulsing the enemy attack and holding the post.

Tragically, Naik Yadunath Singh succumbed to his injuries during the battle. His sacrifice was not in vain, as his efforts helped to secure a crucial victory for the Indian forces in the region. For his exceptional gallantry and indomitable spirit, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor.

Naik Yadunath Singh's legacy endures as a symbol of courage and dedication. His story continues to inspire and motivate generations of Indian soldiers, serving as a testament to the valor and sacrifice of those who defend their nation.

21 November - Harekrushna Mahtab birth anniversary

 

Harekrushna Mahtab, an Indian politician and freedom fighter, was born on November 21, 1899. He was a prominent leader in the state of Odisha (formerly Orissa). Harekrushna Mahtab played a significant role in India's struggle for independence.

He served as the Chief Minister of Odisha from 1946 to 1950 and again from 1956 to 1961. Harekrushna Mahtab was also a member of the Constituent Assembly of India and later a Member of Parliament.

Harekrushna Mahtab passed away on January 2, 1987. His contributions to the political and social development of Odisha and India are remembered and honored.

21 November - The first manned hot air balloon flight took place in 1783

 

On November 21, 1783, the first manned hot air balloon flight took place. The Montgolfier brothers, Joseph and Étienne, launched their hot air balloon in Paris, France. The balloon, called the "Aerostat Réveillon," was a paper and fabric envelope filled with hot air produced by a fire fueled with straw and wool. The balloon successfully lifted off with two passengers, Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent, Marquis d'Arlandes, making them the first humans to experience controlled flight.

This event marked a significant milestone in the history of aviation and aeronautics, as it demonstrated the feasibility of human flight using lighter-than-air craft. The Montgolfier brothers' successful balloon flight paved the way for further advancements in aviation technology and contributed to the development of future air travel.

The balloon reached an altitude of at least 500 feet and traveled about 5½ miles before landing safely 25 minutes later. 

20 November - Joe Biden birthday

 

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., commonly known as Joe Biden, is the 46th President of the United States. Here is a brief overview of his life and presidency:

1. Early Life and Political Career:

   • Born on 20 November 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
   • Elected to the New Castle County Council in Delaware in 1970.
   • Became one of the youngest people ever elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972.

2. Personal Tragedies:

   • Faced personal tragedies, including the death of his first wife and daughter in a car accident in 1972.
   • Experienced the death of his son, Beau Biden, in 2015.

3. Senate Career:

   • Served as U.S. Senator from Delaware from 1973 to 2009.
   • Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and later the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

4. Vice Presidency:

   • Became Vice President under President Barack Obama in 2009.
   • Played a key role in foreign policy, including the Iraq withdrawal and the mission that led to the death of Osama bin Laden.
   • Served two terms as Vice President until 2017.

5. Presidential Campaign of 2020:

   • Ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020.
   • Defeated other Democratic candidates and secured the nomination.
   • Chose Kamala Harris as his running mate.
   • Won the 2020 presidential election against incumbent President Donald Trump.

6. Presidential Policies:

   • Focused on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing vaccination efforts, and passing economic relief packages.
   • Rejoined the Paris Agreement on climate change and committed to climate action.
   • Introduced an infrastructure plan called the American Jobs Plan.

7. Foreign Policy:

   • Withdrew U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021, ending the longest war in American history.
   • Engaged in diplomatic efforts with allies and addressed global challenges.

8. Challenges:

   • Faced challenges such as a surge in migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.
   • Worked to address issues of racial injustice and police reform.

9. Voting Rights and Legislation:

   • Advocated for voting rights and sought passage of the For the People Act.
   • Pushed for the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act to address economic challenges during the pandemic.

10. Legacy:

    • Still in office, so his legacy is evolving.
    • Emphasizes unity and healing divisions in the country.

Joe Biden's presidency is ongoing, and his leadership is being shaped by various challenges, both domestic and international. His approach to issues such as the economy, public health, and climate change continues to unfold as his term progresses.

20 November - Violet Alva death anniversary

 

Violet Alva, passed away on 20 November 1969, was an Indian lawyer, journalist and politician, and Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, and member of the Indian National Congress (INC). She was the first woman lawyer to appear before a High Court in India and the first to preside over the Rajya Sabha.

20 November - Gurunath Bewoor birth anniversary

 

Gurunath Bewoor, born on 20 November 1888, was an Indian civil servant. He served on the Viceroy's Executive Council during the World War II and was the first Indian Director-General of the Post and Telegraph department of India. He later served as Managing Director of Air India.

20 November - Edwin Hubble birth anniversary

 

Edwin Hubble, an American astronomer, was born on November 20, 1889, in Marshfield, Missouri, USA. He significantly contributed to our understanding of the universe and played a key role in the development of observational cosmology.

Hubble is best known for his observations that led to the formulation of Hubble's Law, which describes the relationship between the redshift of distant galaxies and their distance from Earth. This discovery provided strong evidence for the expansion of the universe and laid the foundation for the Big Bang theory.

Edwin Hubble passed away on September 28, 1953, in San Marino, California, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of astronomy. The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, was named in his honor and continues to be a vital tool for astronomers, providing remarkable images and contributing to our understanding of the cosmos.